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The 2021 NBA offseason is finally here and attention has started to turn toward the upcoming free agency window, which begins at the start of August.
Although the field was whittled down prior to the 2020-21 campaign, there are still a number of All-Star players available to bolster the team's championship hopes next year. On top of that, there are those players who could go under the radar but who would add immense value and experience at a fraction of the price. This includes players that have been in the league for over a decade and are aged 36 or more, of which there are a fair few.
For this article, we decided to focus on those veterans who are unrestricted free agents or who have declined their player option. So the player on everybody's watchlist, Chris Paul, is not included. Nevertheless, there is still an array of options available in the NBA offseason that bring with them experience and scoring pedigree.
Analyzing the top five free agents aged 36 or older in the 2021 NBA offseason
#5 Trevor Ariza
Trevor Ariza came into the Miami Heat midseason and played his role valiantly. He was a solid defender, grabbing a steal per game and shot the three-ball at an average clip (35%). Nevertheless, he was never going to be a long-term solution for the ball club and they could look to replace the veteran forward with a younger option in the free agency market such as Bobby Portis.
That being said, the Heat could bring Ariza back on a minimum deal, but the choice really is his this summer as it can be expected he will receive a number of offers.
The 36-year-old is a reliable scorer and savvy defender who fitted in perfectly alongside Jimmy Butler on Miami's frontcourt. His pedigree as an NBA championship winner and rebounder is worth a lot on the free agency market, especially if he can be brought in on a team-friendly contract.
#4 Paul Millsap
Paul Millsap could be one of the best veteran all-round additions a team can make in the NBA offseason. The Denver Nuggets forward will become an unrestricted free agent and could look to earn close to $10m he received this year with the franchise.
Millsap added great value to the Nuggets this season, either as a starter or off the bench, averaging nine points and 4.7 rebounds in 20 minutes per game. He shot the ball at 47% from the field and would be a valuable addition to a team looking to bring in a two-way threat.
Being part of the Denver Nuggets merry-go-round frontcourt options this year was not ideal for Millsap and while the franchise will be contenders again next season, he could look elsewhere in the NBA for more consistent minutes.
#3 J.J. Redick
At 37, and having played just 44 games this season, J.J. Redick is still in high demand. In 2019, the three-point specialist was overpaid by the New Orleans Pelicans in a short-term deal and is now available as an unrestricted free agent and probably a fraction of the $13m he earned this year.
Evan Massey reported at the beginning of last month that Redick would have a number of suitors this summer, including the New York Knicks and LA Lakers. The guard has stated in the past that he would prefer to play on the East coast now to be closer to his family, therefore the likes of the Knicks, 76ers and Nets could have more luck signing him.
Redick is still an elite perimeter shooter who can provide valuable minutes off the bench. When he previously played in Philly for two seasons, the former Duke legend averaged over 17 points a game and drained over 40% of threes. A consistent run of games for a franchise he feels comfortable moving to could see Redick's previous form return.
#2 P.J. Tucker
Fresh off the back of helping the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA championship, P.J. Tucker's future has already been brought into question after the veteran forward becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Signing Tucker midseason proved to be a masterstroke for the Bucks and his doggedness on defense and competitive spirit will make him one of the most sought-after targets in the offseason for other title competitors.
Of course, the Bucks would like to keep the 36-year-old, however they are currently in a quandary regarding their salary inflexibility this summer. Retaining Tucker at around $8m would add an additional $15m to their luxury tax bill, however, if he doesn't return they would be unable to replace his salary slot.
It could depend on what Tucker is offered by other teams. There are a number of top contenders next year who would benefit from his elite defensive attributes and rebounding ability, such as the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks.
#1 Carmelo Anthony
Our top veteran unrestricted free agent is Carmelo Anthony. At 37, Melo is coming into his 19th season in the league, however still has a lot to offer as an experienced head on and off the court and as a knockdown scorer. In fact, the 2020-21 campaign was one of his most accurate shooting years, connecting with over 40% of field goal efforts and threes for only the third time in his career.
Per 36 minutes, Anthony had his most efficient campaign since 2017, averaging 13.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Portland Trail Blazers. For his age, he has tremendous durability, playing in 69 contests during the regular season this year and in each of the Trail Blazers playoff fixtures.
Having earned just over $2.5m this year, Anthony comes with immense value for money and would be a shrewd pick for any side looking to compete for a championship. The ideal fit would be with the LA Lakers if they are unable to land one of the big names they are connected with, or the Utah Jazz to help with their second-unit's lack of shot creation.
